Faculty members awarded nearly $5.5 million for projects that advance energy technology
The transformational potential of innovative energy research projects proposed by two University of Akron (UA) College of Engineering and Polymer Science faculty members has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The two researchers will be awarded grants totaling nearly $5.5 million to support their work in the development of disruptive and ambitious technologies that advance America’s energy future as part of the DOE’s Vision OPEN program.
Dr. James Eagan, assistant professor in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, and Dr. Yilmaz Sozer, distinguished professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, are leading projects aimed at solving major energy challenges and were named recipients of DOE ARPA-E Vision OPEN 2024 funding. Vision OPEN 2024 projects offer groundbreaking solutions across the energy spectrum, including primary generation such as nuclear fusion and geothermal, infrastructure such as power transmission and grid reliability, and new approaches to developing chemicals and fuels.
The University of Akron is one of only two universities nationwide (University of Wisconsin) to receive two ARPA-E awards. In total, 49 projects across the country were funded, with a combined investment of $147 million. UA, the Air Force Research Laboratory in Dayton and Ohio University in Athens are the only awardees in Ohio.
Sozer and Dr. Ali Elrayyah, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, collaborated on the project, “Double AC Overhead Circuit Utilization with Blended DC Transmission Line Edging,” which was awarded $2,296,450. The project will focus on the development of energy integration technology for the electric transmission, distribution and energy storage sectors. Eagan received $3,143,289 for his project, “Chemi-Mechanical Recycling of Mixed Plastic Residues by Reactive Solvothermal Blending and Purification.” The research will advance sustainable plastic recycling and will impact plastic manufacturers, recyclers and material recovery facilities to benefit consumer packaged goods companies.
“This recognition underscores the exceptional research and innovation taking place at The University of Akron,” said Dr. Suzanne Bausch, UA’s vice president of research and business engagement. “The groundbreaking work of Dr. James Eagan in advancing sustainable plastic recycling and Dr. Yilmaz Sozer’s development of energy integration technology reflects our commitment to solving critical global challenges. These projects not only enhance the University’s reputation as a hub for impactful research but also hold the potential to transform industries and improve lives.”
UA’s funded projects
Below are the full descriptions of each of the UA projects funded by DOE ARPA-E. A list of all funded projects can be found here.
“Double AC Overhead Circuit Utilization with Blended DC Transmission Line Edging,” Dr. Yilmaz Sozer, $2,296,450
Developing energy integration technology for the purpose of enhancing the transmission and distribution capacity of existing alternating current (AC) lines by blending with the high voltage direct current (DC) energy networks. It is intended to achieve active DC and AC blocking through power converters to segregate AC and DC at relevant sources and loads. The proposed technology will be applicable to electric transmission, distribution and energy storage sectors.”
“Chemi-Mechanical Recycling of Mixed Plastic Residues by Reactive Solvothermal Blending and Purification,” Dr. James Eagan, $3,143,289
Developing a chemi-mechanical recycling technology for the purpose of blending and purifying mixed plastics. It is a novel method for removing volatile organic compounds and pigments to produce reusable plastic films of manufacturing quality. The proposed technology will be applicable to plastic manufacturers, recyclers and material recovery facilities to benefit consumer packaged goods companies.
About ARPA-E OPEN
Since its inception in 2009, ARPA-E’s OPEN program has advanced transformative energy breakthroughs in critical areas beyond the agency’s focused technology programs. Vision OPEN now challenges researchers to develop groundbreaking technologies aligned with three goals: (1) abundant primary energy, (2) an intermodal energy superhighway for diverse primary energy forms, and (3) carbon utilization for chemicals and materials.
ARPA-E has provided $4.07 billion in R&D funding since its founding, and ARPA-E projects have attracted more than $13.5 billion in private sector follow-on funding to commercialize outlier energy technologies that are strategic to America's energy security.
Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu